Strategies For World Summit To Be Ready By Friday: PM

Before the 3rd Summit of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Heads of State and Government ends tomorrow, the ACP group should also have in place its strategies for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa in early September, said Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, while speaking during the opening of the Summit at Denarau Nadi this morning.

“I would like to think that we can stand together with the EU in this meeting and in similar international gatherings, while still advocating specific positions of concern to the ACP,” Mr. Qarase said.

“We must additionally fashion a unified approach for the fifth WTO Trade Ministers Conference in Mexico next year,” Mr. Qarase said.

“I would like to here extend our congratulations to the Dominican Republic and His Excellency President Hipolito Mejia, for providing leadership for the ACP since our last Summit.

“The ACP family of nations is extremely grateful to President Mejia for his untiring devotion to our cause.

“I want to place on record our formal thanks to the European Union. We are honoured to have here the co-President of the ACP/EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Ms Glenys Kinnock, and the Commissioner for Trade, Mr Pascal Lamy. Their attendance is further clear evidence of the EU's commitment to an extraordinary partnership between developed and developing countries.

“We express our gratitude to the ACP Leaders for placing their trust and confidence in Fiji and the Pacific members at this critical juncture. We give you an undertaking that we will devote all our abilities to serving you well and to providing the right leadership for the Presidency of the ACP Leaders' Summit.”

Prime Minister Qarase also extended a special welcome to the world’s newest sovereign independent State, East Timor, and its distinguished President, His Excellency President Xanana Gusmao.

He said the people of East Timor feel a strong sense of common identity with Pacific nations, and through that, with the ACP.

“This is a country born out of the struggle for freedom and their own separate identity.”

Mr. Qarase he hope that their case will be heard with understanding and sympathy.